Dear MGJ

I'm so glad you like these small pieces - and the Variations (for Piano)!

I like writing serial pieces, but I am looking at a number of other types of rows - especially the sort of scales that Messiaen employed in his music. Or perhaps I should consider Shostakovitch's approach to tone rows and use them melodically, rather than in a serial structure? I was fascinated to learn that you developed musically during that amazing period when serialism was first being developed -you say more about that? My only direct claim to fame with that period, is that I have autographed first editions in my library of the biography of Alban Berg by Willi Reich and Perle's book on atonality.

And - as a complete paradigm shift - my Third Symphony is progressing...slowly. It remains a tonal piece, and is now just over half way - some 260 bars so far.

With best wishes

Peter